Types of Depression.

Clinical | Chronic | Manic / Bipolar

Anxiety | Seasonal | Substance Abuse | Pregnancy | Postpartum | Menopause

Menopause and Depression.

Menopause is a natural biological process and not a medical illness. It usually is not a major cause of severe depression. Many believe that menopause is a time when women are more likely to be depressed. However, recent studies have shown that the perimenopausal period, the years during transition to menopause, is a time of greater of depression for women. Menopause is not a single event but rather a series of changes that can start as early as the 30's and last as late as the 60's.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a condition affecting approximately four percent of menstruating women. Its symptoms are similar to that of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but more severe. The symptoms of PMDD can include deep depression or irritability for one or two weeks before their menstrual period each month. It has also been recognized that women with PMDD have a greater risk of developing postpartum depression.

Untreated depression can lead to more severe depression in the future as well as physical complications. If you think you might be suffering from depression, take our quick depression quiz.

Symptoms of Menopause

Many symptoms of menopause overlap with symptoms of depression. These symptoms would include problems with irritability, sleep, fatigue, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.

What can you do ?

Treatment

Usually menopause itself does not require medical treatment. However, treatment is sometimes needed for the symptoms and / or chronic conditions that may occur during this period. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been shown to be effective in providing relief of the symptoms of menopause in some women. Usually it consists of a low doses of estrogen with progestin and is given for relief of various symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

When menopause and depression coexist, action should be taken. Women often suffer needlessly because they think their discomfort or depression is a natural part of aging or menopause. Depression is not a normal part of life and any women who is experiencing depression should seek help. Please click the following link to read more about the standard approaches for treatment of depression.

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